11/23 - Thanksgiving 2025: Gravy, Gratitude, & Grace: A Therapist's Take on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving 2025:
Gravy, Gratitude, & Grace:
A Therapist's Take on Thanksgiving
Ah, Thanksgiving — that magical time of year when the smell of turkey fills the air, the early morning is celebrated with the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, the pies seem endless, football is on T.V., Grandpa is napping in the recliner, and family dynamics are on full display. It’s the season of gratitude, togetherness, and, if we’re honest, a little bit of chaos sprinkled on top, just like the paprika on top of the deviled eggs.
As a marriage and family therapist, I’ve often noticed Thanksgiving brings out all the feelings — love, nostalgia, stress, and the occasional angry passion when someone mentions politics. But amidst the commotion, it also offers beautiful opportunities to slow down, laugh, and reconnect with the people who matter most.
So, in the spirit of good humor and heartfelt gratitude, here are a few lighthearted reminders for surviving — and actually enjoying — Thanksgiving this year:
🥧 1. You Don’t Have to Win Thanksgiving
It's not a contest. There’s no trophy for “Most Perfect Host” or “Fastest Turkey Carver" or "Best Pumpkin Pie."
Give yourself permission to let go of perfection. Burned rolls? Still edible with enough butter. Forgot the cranberry sauce? No one will notice. Dry, overcooked turkey? No worries, just make sure there's plenty of gravy. Thanksgiving isn’t about the flawless meal — it’s about the messy, meaningful moments around the table with family and friends.
🦃 2. Embrace the Family Circus
Every family has that one relative who tells the same story every year, or a cousin who’s “just trying out” a new diet that involves bringing their own lentil loaf. Instead of getting frustrated, lean into the humor of it all. After all, quirks are what makes us who we are. And these quirks are part of your family’s story — and one day, they’ll be the very things you laugh about (or tell your therapist about, whichever comes first).
And let's face it, there likely only a few days a year when your entire family gets together, so just grin and bare it. And one day, you'll be that relative that tells the same story over and over.
💬 3. Practice a Little “Grace Before the Gravy”
Before you dive into the feast, take a quiet moment to pause and reflect. Growing up, my family used to go around the table and each person would share one thing they were thankful for. Even though I was hungry and dying to get to the food, looking back, I appreciate those moments of reflection and embracing the meaning of the season. In fact, I appreciated it so much that I adopted it for my own family, once I had children. So remember to thank God for the big blessings, but also for the small, silly ones — like stretchy pants, dishwashers, and pumpkin pie.
A grateful heart doesn’t just change your mood; it changes the atmosphere in the whole room.
💛 4. Connection > Correction
Thanksgiving can stir up old habits — like wanting to fix, correct, or comment on what someone should be doing differently. For some families, everyone quickly falls into these negative, old habits as soon as they come together. But this year, try choosing connection over correction. Be intentional about simply being present. One day you'll look back and wish you'd spent your holidays enjoying time with your friends and family, instead of nit picking everything.
If you’re married, give your spouse a little extra grace. If you’re hosting, let others pitch in to help (even if they don’t “do it right”). If someone’s struggling, offer kindness instead of commentary.
Grace always tastes better than guilt.
🧡 5. Remember: Gratitude Is Contagious
A simple “thank you” can go a long way — whether it’s to your partner for mashing the potatoes, your mom for her famous pie, or the person who took out the trash after dinner. Everyone likes to feel appreciated and it really takes no effort at all to thank someone or acknowledge their efforts. It takes no effort, but offers big rewards, both to the receiver and to the giver.
Gratitude has a way of multiplying. When we notice and name what we’re thankful for, joy follows right behind — like gravy on mashed potatoes.
🍁 Final Thought
This Thanksgiving, may your turkey be tender, your conversations kind, and your heart full. And if all else fails, remember: laughter and pie can smooth over almost anything.
And, I encourage you to try out my family's Thanksgiving tradition of each person at the table, sharing something they are thankful for.
So, from me to you, Happy Thanksgiving — may your day be filled with grace, gratitude, and maybe just one more slice of dessert.
If you'd like to read my previous Thanksgiving Blog Posts or any of my previous blog posts, please click here and click on the Blog tab.
If you're interested in receiving couples or individual therapy to help you get through the holidays and beyond, please visit my website to schedule a free 15 minute consultation - www.brittaniedmillslmft.com
I provide online individual and couples counseling throughout Tennessee, California, South Carolina, and Florida.
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